A delegation of Western and Arab diplomats visited Lebanon’s southern border with Israel on Monday to observe efforts by Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers to dismantle the armed presence of Hezbollah.

The group included the U.S. and Saudi ambassadors, joined by Gen. Rodolph Haikal, commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and senior officers from the region. The Lebanese government has said the army expects to remove all Hezbollah forces from the area south of the Litani River by the end of the year.

Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem has indicated the group will withdraw its military presence south of the river but will retain weapons elsewhere in Lebanon. Historically, sections of this border area were strongholds inaccessible to both the national army and U.N. forces.

“The primary objective of the military is to ensure stability,” Haikal said, adding that the tour was intended to demonstrate the army’s commitment to the ceasefire that ended last year’s conflict with Israel.

Diplomats on the visit did not provide any public comments.